Texas Project WILD

Happy WILD Wednesday. This week we encourage you to slow down and think about water and the words we use to describe it. In Aquatic WILD's "Aqua Words" students are given photos of water from all over the world and ask to break down their descriptions into single words, then rearrange them into poetry or other creative writings.

Check out this water poem from Laura Purdie Salas for some inspiration.

Meet Facilitator Forum presenter Jen Smith! VP of Outdoor Connections for Camp Fire First Texas.
"I’m Jen Smith, the Vice President of Outdoor Connections for Camp Fire First Texas, where I oversee outdoor education, summer camp, retreat programming, and environmental education initiatives at Camp El Tesoro in North Texas. My passion for the outdoors started growing up in Northern Indiana and has continued through my career in camping and environmental education. I have a background in biology, environmental studies, and recreation administration, and I love helping people build confidence, curiosity, and connection through meaningful outdoor experiences.
What inspires me most is seeing young people and educators discover wonder in nature and realize they belong outdoors. Whether it’s leading a hike, facilitating Project WILD activities, supporting staff development, or creating programs that help campers unplug and grow, I believe outdoor experiences can truly change lives. I’m passionate about environmental education, leadership development, and building inclusive camp communities that help people thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, trail runs, camping adventures, public speaking, and spending time outdoors with my dogs, Daisy and Cricket." I’m always eager to learn from others, share ideas, and help create meaningful outdoor experiences that make a lasting impact.
I attended my first PW workshop in the Fall of 1998 as an AmeriCorp in Northern Indiana for the Elkhart EnviroCorp. I've been a facilitator on and off since 2005, first facilitating in the Indianapolis area.
I get WILD by training and mentoring educators, creating impactful outdoor programs, and helping others use environmental education to inspire the next generation.

On this hear from urban biologists about our largest reptiles in Texas - the American Alligator.

Alligators Native Texans Alligators are native wildlife in Texas, and it is not unusual to s...

Meet Dr. Lynda Folts, presenting at the 2026 Project WILD Facilitator Forum.

Dr. Folts is a science researcher and Professor of Science in the
Math, Science and Engineering Department (MSE) at The University of
the Incarnate Word (UIW), in San Antonio, Texas. Research conducted
with graduate students focuses on Human Dimensions of Water
supply, Landowners and Wildlife Terrestrial and Marine interactions.

Meet Heather England
Outreach & Education Programs Assistant | TPWD
Heather lives, works, and plays in Austin, TX. She is the Program Support Assistant for TPWD Outreach & Education, and supports Project WILD, Angler Education, Conservation Education and more, in addition to sitting on various committees in support of veterans and women’s R3 interests at TPWD. She is a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of Texas State University (Eat ‘em up cats!).
When not working Heather spends her time reading, tending to her plant collection, planning her next trip (Banff in August!), and entertaining a very active pair of corgis.
Fun Fact: today is her birthday!